Senior Director of Government Relations

Senior Director of Government Relations

Office of the President/Chief of Staff

554586

Close Date: March 22nd, 2026

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(554586) Administrator III, Senior Director of Government Relations, CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891 – $22,119 per month, Anticipated Hiring Range: $14,166- $15,833 per month. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan, at-will position in University Advancement.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Senior Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership and operations management for Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, community, and regional governmental relations program. This position is responsible for developing and executing campus-based advocacy strategies that advance University priorities, support CSU sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and for strengthening Cal Poly Humboldt’s visibility and influence among its partners.

The Senior Director serves as the primary liaison between state, federal and regional agencies, state and congressional delegation, and other state elected officials throughout California. Acting with a high degree of independent judgement, the Senior Director also serves the President’s liaison to regional government and civic organizations. In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the VP and the University President to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Relations and Advocacy Management 30%

Direct and manage Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities. Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans aligned with University and CSU system priorities. Monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting higher education and the University, assess potential impacts, and recommend strategic responses. Represent the University in meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies, including participation in advocacy visits and briefings.

Strategic Outreach and Project Planning: 25%

Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor's Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor's Office of Federal Relations, and other external governmental consultants. Coordinate campus input into CSU systemwide legislative, regulatory, and budget initiatives. Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for the President, Vice President, and other senior leaders to support effective engagement with governmental stakeholders.

Advocacy and Partnership Building: 15%

Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for Cal Poly Humboldt projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies. Serve on advisory boards and represent the university

Regional and Community Government Relations: 10%

Serves as a campus liaison to regional civic groups and non-profit agencies. Represent the University on external boards, committees, and task forces, as appropriate. Strengthen partnerships that support regional economic development, educational access, and community engagement consistent with the University’s mission.

Strategic Outreach and Project Planning: 15%

Interfaces with students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the university to align internal priorities with external advocacy efforts. Convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts to support policy development, data-informed advocacy, and effective communication with governmental partners. Provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders regarding governmental processes, advocacy protocols, and compliance requirements.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

• Must be able to work with a broad range of constituents through networking and/or strong oral/written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, community stakeholders and organizations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the President and Executive Cabinet, Academic Senate, Associated Students, Alumni Director, Campus Research Officer, and University Researchers.
• Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high levels of attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.
• Communication skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures and processes, legislative processes, and public policy development, particularly as they relate to higher education.
• Ability to analyze complex policy, legislative, and budget issues; assess political feasibility and institutional risk; and develop strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft policy briefs, legislative analyses, testimony, correspondence, and executive-level briefing materials.
• Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the University to elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and differing viewpoints from wide ranging stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of ethics, compliance, and regulatory requirements related to governmental advocacy.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years direct experience doing advocacy work and direct interaction with elected officials and staff within California (College University system, legislative, County, State, Tribal or Federal Office) is required.
• A valid driver's license and working car is required for this position. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
• Understanding of higher education policy issues and their implications.
• Knowledge of working within a larger system and ability to collaborate within the CSU/Chancellor's office is preferred
• Experience in higher education government relations specifically (budget, capital outlay, financial aid, research funding)
• Experience working with tribal governments.
• Experience managing or coordinating external government relations consultants.
• Familiarity with state budget and appropriations processes.

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three supervisory references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on March 22, 2026.